Gretchen Tiernan
& Megan Richardson

Highlights

  • DTMB Opening
  • The Solution IV 
  • Massage, Facials, Nails & IVs 
  • Integrated Experiences 

Sand Spa is a modern wellness collective offering massage, facials, nail services and IV therapy. Founded in 2014 by Gretchen Tiernan and Megan Richardson, Sand Spa has grown from a single beachside spa into a network of California locations with more than 100 employees.

Tell us about your new services.

The acquisition of The Solution in Hermosa Beach marked an exciting new chapter for us. By adding IV therapy to our offerings, we’re making it possible to enjoy even more at our locations—like getting your nails done while receiving IV vitamin therapy, or pairing IVs with facials and other treatments. It’s all about creating seamless, time-saving ways to bring wellness into everyday life. For us, every new offering isn’t just about growth. It’s about making self-care more convenient and accessible.

What inspired you to start your business?

Gretchen: I always noticed how intimidating spa culture could feel, like it was reserved for a certain type of person or a special occasion. That didn’t sit right with me. I wanted to change the narrative and create a space that felt warm, approachable and consistent, where anyone could walk in and immediately feel they belonged. That spark turned into Sand Spa.

Megan: I saw massive potential that wasn’t being tapped in the spa industry. There was an opportunity to build something modern, scalable and inclusive. I wanted to take the fragmented spa experience and create a brand clients could trust, no matter the location. Sand Spa became our way of showing people that caring for yourself is not only allowed but necessary for living a full life.

Whom do you credit for your success?

Each other. As life partners and business partners, our complementary strengths make this possible. Gretchen brings heart and vision, and Megan brings systems and strategy. Together, we stay aligned in our vision, and that keeps the dream moving forward.

How can we support other women in business?

Megan: Cheer louder. Sometimes the simplest act of encouragement is what gives someone the courage to take the next step. Celebrate women’s milestones, share their wins and open doors whenever you can. That’s how we all grow.

Gretchen: Create environments where consistency, respect and empathy are nonnegotiable. Women deserve workplaces where high standards are paired with real support. That balance builds trust, fuels confidence and empowers women to thrive.

Tell us about a bold decision that paid off.

Gretchen: Opening Polish by Sand Spa. It felt like a leap into the unknown, but it turned out to be one of our strongest and most recognizable brands. That risk became one of our greatest rewards.

Megan: Expanding into nails, IV therapy and acquiring The Solution was a defining moment. Clients were craving a one-stop destination for wellness, where they could get multiple services at once. Meeting that need not only deepened client trust but also unlocked growth we couldn’t have imagined.

What’s next for Sand Spa?

Expansion is only the beginning. Our new flagship opens in Downtown Manhattan Beach this year, alongside new locations in Torrance and Venice. And we’re just getting started—Carlsbad, Scottsdale and more are on the horizon. But growth for us is about innovation. We’re working on something unlike anything we’ve done before. It’s not a new service, not a new spa—but something that will completely shift how our clients experience self-care.

And with multiservice hubs like The Solution, we’re proving that wellness can meet women where they are: busy, on-the-go but still deserving of care. We’re creating a future where efficiency and indulgence live side by side.

We’re excited to keep pushing the boundaries of what wellness can look like, blending human touch with technology, tradition with innovation, and business growth with authentic community impact. Sand Spa’s future is about resilience, reinvention and reaching people in ways that inspire them to care for themselves like never before. We’re not just building a company; we’re creating a legacy rooted in wellness, love and community.

Tell us about your team.

Sand Spa thrives on the passion and dedication of its people. They’re not just employees; they’re our extended family. Their talent, heart and commitment are the reason we’ve been able to grow. We would be nowhere without them.

Photographed by Cam Alexiis